The
INITIATIVE
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN — ROCKFORD AREA BRANCH
Website: www.rockfordarea-il.aauw.net
November 2016
BRANCH EVENTS CALENDAR 2016 - 17
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Monday, November 7: 6pm at Ciao Bella –
Financial Literacy for Women – Panel discussion led
by Jean Berenak and Jen Reisinger
On Saturday, October 22, 2016, I and others attended the
AAUW Fall Conference.
At the opening, we were reminded of the importance of our
organization.
The meeting began with the following short quiz. Please
remember that AAUW was founded in 1818.
1. In what year did women get the right to vote? 1920
2. In what year was the Equal Rights Amendment
presented to Congress for the first time? 1923
3. Landlords could choose to not rent to a woman solely
based on her sex until? 1968
4. Women in the U.S. were not able to have a credit card
in their own name until? 1974
5. A woman could be fired from her job for being
pregnant until? 1978
6. What year was the Equal Rights Amendment ratified?
It hasn’t been. It passed the Senate in 1972 but was
never ratified by all states. Groups such as AAUW
have introduced the E.R.A. into every session of
Congress since 1983. It has been fought in court, but
still there is no Equal Rights Amendment at the
Federal level and the Paycheck Fairness Act has also
not yet been passed.
Saturday, December 3: 11am at Franchesco’s –
Holiday Luncheon, Talbots Fashion Show and Silent
Auction
Saturday, January 28: Deerfield
Networking Luncheon
Saturday, February 11: 11am, Second/First
Church – Potluck and living History Portrayal of
Sarah Grimke - Unlikely Abolitionist by Amy Nyman
Saturday, March 18: 10am, Mary’s Market on
East State – Barriers and Bias: Presentation of
AAUW Research by Dr. Stephanie Quinn
Wednesday, April 26: 6pm, Tavern on Clark –
Bessica Raiche: First Woman Aviator of America,
Midway Village Presentation
Saturday, May 5 & 6: Champaign IL
State Convention
AAUW IL
Saturday, June 3: 11am, Forest Hills Country
Club Annual Meeting and Luncheon, Keynote
Speaker: Litesa Wallace
June 14 – 17: Washington DC
Convention
AAUW National
Guests are welcome at all events. Let’s invite
interesting and active women to our events.
Why do we still exist? Because our work is not yet done. We
still have a wage gap. We still do not have equal
representation in leadership roles and we still do not have
equal representation in the STEM areas. We also have not
obtained equality in many other areas. But working together
we can continue to move forward and that is why AAUW
continues to be relevant and why it is so important to
continue not to just encourage new membership but to reach
out to the next generation to continue the battle. As the
saying now goes, stronger together.
Enjoy the upcoming holidays!
Karen Hoffman, President
Many thanks go to the two committees who planned the September and October events. The Scholarship
committee members are Diane, Kuehl, Chair, Dale Dunnigan, Ann Dempsey, Deepshikha Shukha, Linda
Auman, Marsha Ackerman, Sheryl Hall and Stephanie Quinn.
The International Affairs committee members are Sheryl Hall and Jean Herro, Chairs, Marsha Ackerman,
Regina Potts, Faye Marcus, Cynthia Nelson, Diana Vlase, Ramona Cornea, Kathe Heyer, and Maria
Arellano.
The Initiative—November 2016
page 1 of 9
Our Upcoming Events
In November …
Join us at Ciao Bella
on Nov. 7th for a panel
discussion titled
“Financial Literacy for
Women.”
RSVP to Regina Potts by Nov.5.
Save this December date
Plan to join us on Saturday, December 3rd at Franchesco’s Ristorante for our Holiday Luncheon. This year’s
program will be a Fashion Show by Talbots and a Silent Auction. See reservation form on the page 8 for menu.
The INITIATIVE – November 2016
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The
INITIATIVE
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN — ROCKFORD AREA BRANCH
Website: www.rockfordarea-il.aauw.net
November 2016
PUBLIC POLICY UPDATES by Faye Marcus
PUBLIC POLICY ON THE GO
Public Policy has had a busy fall. We have participated in several Get Out the Vote
activities. Several of our members have helped the League of Women Voters register voters at
several high schools and at Rockford University.
If you want to be an educated voter, you had your chance to attend two candidate forums in October.
These forums were held at Rockford University; a forum featuring the candidates for State
Representative for the 68 and 69 legislative districts was held on Oct. 16; a forum featuring
candidates for Winnebago county coroner and Winnebago county board chair person was held on
Oct. 23. Both were taped for later viewing by WREX & WTVO. We collaborated on both of these
with LWV. Thanks to our moderators: Kristen Crowley and Eric Wilson and to Rockford University.
th
th
We also helped with a debate at Jefferson High School featuring students from the speech and
debate club. These two young women were terrific! They were so well prepared to argue the merits
of 4 issues that are important in this election: immigration, voting rights, education, and minimum
wage. One took the side of the Democratic party and the other argued the side of the Republican
party. It was amazing to hear them debate the merits of the issues; there were no personality issues
or insults. Our political candidates could learn from them!
Here are some reminders: From time to time, I send you information regarding webinars that
national AAUW provides on various topics. These are really interesting so please take advantage of
them if you can and sign up.
You also have a chance to let our members of Congress know how we feel on various bills that are
important to AAUW. I send out ACTION ALERTS so please read them and become a “2 minute
advocate.”
One last important reminder: VOTE!! on November 8 or early vote.
Donna Joy Memorial STEM SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE – by Diane Kuehl
The STEM Scholarship Committee sends much appreciation to the members and their friends
for the generous support to the 2017 scholarship awards. It is with “Joy” that we announce that
AAUW will be offering THREE awards in 2017! You all will be invited to the June 3rd Awards
Luncheon to meet the new winners!
Two additional prizes beyond the cash award from the 50/50 raffle were added this year. We
would like to thank the following members for their donations: Dale Dunnigan, Diane Kuehl,
Sheryl Hall and Maria Arellano/ASHA Salon. We would also like to thank Massage Therapy by
Rebecca Weaver in Roscoe for her gift certificate (rebeccaweaver.massagetherapy.com).
The Initiative—November 2016
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The
INITIATIVE
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN — ROCKFORD AREA BRANCH
Website: www.rockfordarea-il.aauw.net
November 2016
Book Beat Reading List 2016
Book Beat meets on the third Tuesday of the month
at 12:45. Please call the hostess if you would like to
attend.
Nov. 15 Stalin’s Daughter by Rosemary Sullivan
Reviewer: Ruth Siegfried
Hostess: Diane Kuehl
AAUW Treasurer’s Report, Oct. 20, 2016
Katy Paterson
Operating Fund
Beginning Balance
$3,805.93
Receipts
Schnucks Scrip
$10.24
Dues
$228.00
Disbursements
LWVGR for Program
$25.00
Listing
Print & Mail Yearbooks
$193.18
Gift cards for Speakers
$150.00
Dues
$413.00
Ending balance as of October 20, 2016
$3,262.99
AAUW Scholarship Fund
Beginning Balance
Receipts
Donations
Disbursements
Scholarship – Jessica
$7,476.97
$620.00
Welcome to New Member
Welcome to New Member
Welcome to new member Mary Lou
Fitzpatrick. Please add her information to your
yearbook:
Mary Lou Fitzpatrick
7273 Club Court, Roscoe IL 61073
(c) 779-475-0600
[email protected]
Retired educator, BS NIU, MS RU
Yearbook corrections
Barbara Giolitto (correct spelling)
Yearbook corrections
Dr. Marilen Loyola
905 N. Main St., #22
Board Meetings
Board Meetings will be held on the 3rd
Thursday of the month at Mary’s
Restaurant, 4431 E. State Street. If you
would like to have dinner, please come
at 5:15. The meeting will begin at 6:15.
Members are always welcome to attend.
$1,000.00
Ending balance as of October 20, 2016
$7,096.97
As of October 20, 2016, we have 67 members.
Have a smart phone?

Like to shop?

Want to help increase branch finances?

See your Oct.21 email from Karen Hoffman to learn how to help by using eScrip.
The Initiative—November 2016
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International Affairs Group by Sheryl Almquist Hall
The AAUW Rockford Area’s International Affairs Group sponsored a panel discussion called “Addressing Water
Needs Around the World” on Saturday, October 15 at Rockford University
International Water Needs Forum at RU
On Saturday, October 15, 2016 close to 50 people from around the region gathered in the Science Building
Auditorium on the campus of Rockford University for a free public forum hosted by our Branch’s International
Affairs Interest Group.
Dr. Troy Skwor, Rockford University Professor of Biology, moderated a discussion after presentations by five
different speakers engaged in various activities designed to help alleviate the pressing need for both clean and
usable water in developing countries on every continent. Special focus was given to its impact on the lives of
women and girls, their families and communities; with a dramatic reduction in illness, improved health and wellbeing.
Solutions presented ranged from basic hand-made pottery filters which form the basis of women-owned
businesses, to molded plastic filters designed for ease of handling in remote areas and packaging with graphics
made understandable regardless of the language of the end-user. Other solutions involved irrigation systems
and community-based water chlorination systems that purify the drinking source for an entire community in
developing nations in this hemisphere, or wells in remote villages of Africa made possible through the
fundraising efforts of local school children.
After the forum, attendees had an opportunity to speak with presenters from Rockford Iqra School about their
fundraising efforts for the Zakat Foundation of America’s “One Year, 100 Wells” African well project; Motherland
Rhythm Community and the Benkadi Project BioSand Water Filters in Guinea, West Africa; Tanzanian
Development Support and their Tanzanian Women’s Start-Up Water Filter Project; Industrial Molds Group of
Rockford, a Kohler Clarity initiative partner making water filters for relief organizations operating in Africa and
Asia; and EOS (Emerging Opportunities for Sustainability) International and their clean drinking water initiatives
in Nicaragua. Each presenter, and their organization or company, has a direct connection to the Rockford
region.
Special thanks to RU for providing a superb venue for our speakers, and thank you to the members of the
International Affairs Interest Group for lining up our speakers, making arrangements with RU and helping the
day of the event.
Additional photos and links to the organizations represented are available on the Branch’s website at:
http://rockfordarea-il.aauw.net/publicity/water-needs/
The INITIATIVE – November 2016
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The
INITIATIVE
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN — ROCKFORD AREA BRANCH
Website: www.rockfordarea-il.aauw.net
November 2016
AAUW Funds – by Barbara Simon
CHARTING THE COURSE
AAUW has a fine record for utilizing its resources well and has the highest rating from charitynavigator. In the
past, our branch has given the proceeds from the Silent Auction to the Education Foundation or the Legal Aid
Fund. These funds are well endowed, so AAUW is encouraging us to fund the CHARTING THE COURSE
campaign.
This new fund began Jan 1 and ends Dec. 31, 2016. It serves to underwrite and grow AAUW’s communitybased programs such as Tech Trek, Tech Savvy, Start Smart, Work Smart and Elect Her as well as AAUW
research. The campaign hopes to raise $1,000,000 by the end of the year and has about $100,000 to go. You
have all received personal mailings about this fund.
Our branch and the Rockford University community have already benefitted from having Start Smart and Elect
Her workshops in our city. The board has decided we would like to support more of these programs and that
this year’s Silent Auction proceeds will be designated for the Charting the Course campaign. We hope that
you will help by finding donations, bringing your delicious baked goods and any other items which will make our
auction interesting and fun.
Items for the silent auction can be dropped off during the month of November at the home of Barbara Simon.
Each item should arrive with a completed donation sheet (see last page) so the committee knows the value and
donor.
Please let Barbara know if you have a donation from a restaurant or business. She will keep a list of donors and
let the members know so that they do not ask the same people.
If you cannot come on Dec. 3, however, we would like to ask for your help in making our branch’s donation a
generous one. Below is a tear-off for the CHARTING THE COURSE campaign. Please support the branch and
AAUW’s fine programs with your donation.
Thank you.
*******************************************************************************************************
CHARTING THE COURSE
I would like to support the campaign with a check for ____________________________.
Please mail your check to Katy Paterson, 4223 Lakeside Dr., Rockford IL 61101 by Dec. 3.
Thank you for supporting AAUW!
The Initiative—November 2016
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LOCAL BOOK NEWS
The book discussion below will be led by the authors. Two of them, Dr. Mary Weaks-Baxter and Dr. Catherine
Forslund, are members of AAUW.
The book weaves together the World War II experiences of students and faculty of Rockford College.
Copies of the book are available to check out from RPL and copies will be available for sale that evening.
Everyone is welcome for the book discussion. You can register for the discussion by calling 815-965-7606 option
5 or through the library websitewww.rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
The INITIATIVE – November 2016
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HOLIDAY LUNCHEON, FASHION SHOW, & SILENT AUCTION
This year’s Silent Auction proceeds will be designated for the Charting the Course campaign. We hope
that you will help by finding donations, bringing your delicious baked goods and any other items which will
make our auction interesting and fun.
Silent Auction contribution items can be dropped off during the month of November at the home of Barbara
Simon. Items should arrive with a completed donation sheet (final page) so the committee knows the value
and donor.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 A. Chicken Piccata
 B. Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
 C. Gnocchi Basilico
Luncheon
Choices
$24.00
$24.00
$24.00
Name ___________________________________________ Entrée ________________________________
Mail check (payable to AAUW Rockford Branch) to Regina Potts, 4907 Streamside Dr., Rockford, IL 61111.
RESERVATION DEADLINE IS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28
The INITIATIVE – November 2016
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Sept. 14 2016 – The University Club
Here are a few photos from our very
successful "Tip the Bartender"
fundraiser for STEM scholarships.
Thanks to everyone who contributed!
The INITIATIVE – November 2016
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American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Rockford Area Branch
c/o YWCA of Rockford
4990 E. State St.
Rockford, IL 61108
AAUW DONATION AGREEMENT
The American Association of University Women advances equity for women and girls
through advocacy, education, research and philanthropy. The organization was founded
in 1881 and the Rockford Area Branch in 1929. Our vision is to continue to develop a
diverse, involved membership committed to this mission statement.
If you would like to donate a silent auction item for our Dec. 3, 2016 event, we will
acknowledge your business in our program.
Funds raised will be used for the AAUW Share the Future Fund and branch activities.
BUSINESS NAME
ADDRESS
ITEM
DESCRIPTION
ITEM VALUE
Donor Signature
AAUW Member Signature
Thank you for your donation!